Premiering on Good Nights with Linda on triple J last week, “Ridin'” is the first single off upcoming EP mood forever – a six track EP of brand new material (Due August 18).

Sydney-based artist and producer Manu Crooks exploded onto the international hip-hop scene last year with his debut track “Everyday”, before exceeding expectations again with the follow up breakout single “Blowin’ Up” which, all jokes aside, BLEW. UP.

The clip has now massed over 1.7 million views, and the track was added to triple J rotation, featured by Zane Lowe on Beats One, and earned the opportunity to open for both YG and Danny Brown on their respective Australian tours. For an artist who spends most of his time in a studio in Sydney, those are some pretty massive achievements for such a short amount of time.

“Ridin’ is an elongated version of a misunderstood male trying to figure it all out” – Manu Crooks

Early on in his career, yet already viewed as a pioneer in the Australian hip-hop scene, Manu Crooks is bridging hip-hop hemispheres. This universal sound comes from growing up in Ghana, before finally settling as an Australian citizen in Sydney as a young teen. Because of this, Manu’s palette of influences is lush and diverse – he speaks two languages, is a producer, an artist, and a rapper.

“Being of a West African background is super dope.. Just from going to parties when I was younger and hearing the music that was being played even around the house growing up, it instils a certain rhythm in you! The whole African culture and sound are embedded deep within… Also now living in Australia, it’s a very culturally diverse place, & being around so many different nationalities is always so inspiring” – Manu Crooks

Working with producers Miracle and DOPAM!NE for his upcoming EP, Manu Crooks’ has a fresh perspective and a continent full of hip hop fans who are ready to root for one of their own.

‘mood forever’ EP will be available August 18th – Manu Crooks will also be joining Stormzy on tour around Australia for his Splendour side-shows throughout the end of July:

Stormzy Australian Tour With Special Guest Manu Crooks
Thursday July 20 – Metro City, Perth *SOLD OUT*
Friday 21st July – Thebarthon Theatre, Adelaide *VENUE UPGRADE*
Monday 24th July – Enmore Theatre, Sydney *SOLD OUT*
Tuesday 25th July – Enmore Theatre, Sydney *SOLD OUT*
Thursday 27th July – The Forum, Melbourne *SOLD OUT*
Friday 28th July – The Forum, Melbourne *SOLD OUT*